With the ultimate goal of increasing the protection of biodiversity through forest management, the West Papua Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA), supported by FORCLIME, recently completed an orchid survey on Mount Bamusbama, Gunung Tamrau Utara Nature Reserve, Tambrauw Regency. The purpose of this activity was to collect data on orchid species, in addition to being useful in terms of the management of conservation areas. The survey should also prove useful for policymakers in terms of expanding the overall development concepts for Provincial Strategic Areas (KSP) and the Crown Jewels of the Land of Papua (MPTP). The survey activities were carried out from 25 July to 5 August 2023.

The survey results covered a collection of 233 specimens that encompassed 233 species from 36 genera. Some of these are suspected new species, specifically Bulbophyllum from the Intervallatae section and Dendrobium from the Grastidium section.

The survey results will be presented during an online meeting that is set to be held in October and to which relevant parties from the provincial and national levels will be invited.

For more information, please contact:
Nita Yohana, Advisor for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for West Papua Province
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua Island